University Curriculum Committee
Proposal for New Academic Plan, Plan Change, or Plan Deletion
1. College
2. Academic
Unit/Department
Vice Provost of Academic
Affairs
3. Academic
Plan Name
Bachelor of University Studies
(BUS)
4. Subplan
(if applicable)?
6. Subplan Code (if applicable)?
5. Academic Plan Code
7. Effective Date
To check/uncheck, right-click boxes →Select ”Properties”
Fall 2011
8. Is this proposal for a:
Undergraduate Studies
New Plan
Plan Change*
Plan Deletion
New Subplan
Subplan Change
Subplan Deletion
*Plan changes must be accompanied by an updated 8-semester plan.
9. ALL Education plans, please indicate NCATE Designation:
Number of Requirement Units:
–in Existing Major Plan ___
–in Proposed Major Plan ___
If applicable:
Initial Plan
Advanced Plan
Change from Initial to Advanced Plan
10.
Revised 12/10
Remove Designation
Change from Advanced to Initial Plan
–in Existing Subplan
___
–in Proposed Subplan
___
For Plan Changes, place the existing catalog text
in this column. Please copy and paste the text
directly from the current online academic catalog:
(http://www4.nau.edu/aio/AcademicCatalog/academiccatalogs.htm)
Be sure you include all catalog text that pertains to
this plan change.
New Plans should also complete this column.
BUS Bachelor of University Studies
Students with 60 or more units of
earned college-level coursework and
with the recommendation of an advisor
can take advantage of this degree
completion program that provides the
flexibility to change direction and build
upon prior educational experiences in
multiple disciplines. This degree is
designed to provide a breadth of
rigorous study in two areas, integrated
through focused preparation.
To earn this degree, you must
successfully complete at least 120 units
of coursework, as described in the
sections that follow:



at least 35 units of liberal studies
requirements (35 units). You
may not use the same course
from your major to fulfill your
Liberal Studies distribution
requirements.
at least 36 units of major
requirements.
elective courses, if needed, to
reach an overall total of at least
120 units.
Be aware that some required courses
may have prerequisites that you must
also take. Check the courses in the
appropriate subject. (You may be able
to count these prerequisites toward
your liberal studies or general elective
credit.)
Please note that you must complete
Revised 12/10
Show the proposed changes in this column.
Please BOLD the changes, to differentiate from
what is not changing and change font color to red
for what is being deleted.
(Describe the changed requirements under headings
that match those used in the left column. Please be
aware that if the units are not totaled correctly, the
catalog editor will adjust them accordingly.)
Northern Arizona University’s diversity
requirements by taking two 3-unit
courses, one in U.S. ethnic diversity and
one in global diversity awareness.
These courses may be used to meet
other requirements within your
academic plan if you choose them
carefully. Click here for a list of the
available diversity courses.
Northern Arizona University requires at
least 30 units of coursework must be
upper-division courses (those
numbered 300 and above) and 30 units
of courses must be taken at NAU, of
which at least 18 must be upper
division.
Finally, please note that you may be
able to use some courses to meet more
than one requirement; however, you
must still meet the total of at least 120
units to graduate. Contact your advisor
for details.
Admission
To be admitted into a BUS plan, you
must have at least 60 units of college
level coursework successfully
completed or in progress. Application
to the program is made through the
Gateway Student Success Center,
subject to approval of the BUS Faculty
Steering Committee and the BUS
Academic Administrator (Vice Provost
for Academic Affairs or designee). You
must also meet with a Gateway advisor
to determine career planning
appropriateness, obtain an advisor
recommendation, and file an approved
change of major request.
Revised 12/10
Major Requirements
You must complete the following:


a junior level writing course from
a discipline or ENG 302W or ENG
305W (3 units)
a capstone course from a
discipline or BUS 450C (3 units)
You must take at least 36 units from:

The successful completion of two
minors is needed to fulfill the
major requirement for the BUS
degree. See the list of BUS
approved minors. One of your
minors can be the BUS
Individualized Minor (36 units)
The option of an BUS individualized
minor is available only for students
admitted into the BUS plan.
General Electives
Additional coursework is required, if,
after you have met the previously
described requirements, you have not
yet completed a total of 120 units of
credit.
You may take these remaining courses
from any academic areas that will
support your specific interests and
goals. You are encouraged to pursue
skills and experiences that will be
valued in your career plans, such as a
second language, study abroad, or
internships. You should consult with
your advisor to select courses that will
be most advantageous to you.
(Please note that you may also use
prerequisites or transfer credits as
electives if they weren't used to meet
your major, liberal studies or diversity
requirements).
Revised 12/10
11. For undergraduate plans, will this requirement be a Student Individualized Plan*?
No
Yes
*A Student Individualized Plan is an academic requirement that varies by student, such as the 15-unit
BAiLS focus, for which coursework requirements are established by the student in consultation with the advisor.
If yes, the academic unit listed at the top of this form hereby takes responsibility for providing
complete information about each student’s individual requirements for the degree audit system.
12. For undergraduate plans, will a milestone** be used to:
a. verify satisfactory completion of a non-course requirement.
b. indicate admission to a major.
c. will not be used.
**A Milestone is used to record non-course requirements, such as the HRM
800-hour work experience requirement or admission to Business Major status.
If yes, the academic unit listed at the top of this form hereby takes responsibility
for maintaining the milestone and keeping individual student records up to date.
13. Please list the Learning Outcomes of the Plan/Subplan (see degree major assessment webpage http://www4.nau.edu/assessment/main/degree/degree.htm).
• Demonstrate the intellectual and practical skills of written/oral communication, analytic reasoning/critical
thinking, and quantitative reasoning
• Apply knowledge of human cultures, diversity, and global issues to intra/interpersonal situations
• Apply knowledge of the physical/natural world and scientific literacy in appropriate contexts and to situations
involving the interaction of any environment
• Demonstrate problem solving and application of skills in a real world setting
• Synthesize the skills and objectives from the breadth of liberal studies, diversity, and two disciplines to apply to
novel situations specific to career goals
14. Justification for proposal. Please indicate how past assessments of student learning prompted
proposed changes.
Research indicates that employers are seeking baccalaureate graduates with a breadth of preparation--a
portfolio of competencies. The proposed degree plan is intended to provide an alternative path to degree for
students, who languish or encounter obstacles in pursuit of specialized majors. This plan will integrate prior
learning with a multi-disciplinary approach designed to develop the competencies sought by employers across
sectors of the economy. The plan is intended to increase rates of graduation and to lower excess earned
credits among students who encounter obstacles to degree as the result of transfer, upper division change of
major, indecision regarding major, restrictive academic policies within a major, or return after a stop-out.
Students with 60 units or more beginning an entirely new major are typically unable to fulfill degree
requirements within the preferred four years. The BUS degree allows students with prior coursework to
maximize application of earned credits and pursue a line of study in support of their career objectives. The
option to pursue two minors in lieu of a single major, with an individualized minor option creates the flexibility
to maximize prior studies, focus on current interests related to career objectives, and/or maintain a breadth of
interests without sacrificing academic rigor.
15. If this academic plan/subplan will require additional faculty, space, or equipment, how will these
requirements be satisfied?
The BUS degree will utilize existing academic plans, except in cases for which an Individualized Minor is
developed. The program will be governed by a faculty steering committee, which will be convened in Fall
2010 from among faculty across campus. In advance of that, the University Assessment Committee will
develop an initial/draft plan for program assessment, to be finalized by the faculty steering committee. The
Revised 12/10
Steering Committee will oversee implementation and ongoing operation of the program, with support of
the Office of the Vice Provost for Academic Affairs and the Gateway Student Success Center. Guidance to
for application for admission and advisement will be provided by Gateway staff. Admission decisions will
be based on the assessment/recommendation of the advisor and endorsement of the faculty steering
committee. Individualized Minor plans will require faculty time for guidance to students as they develop
their plan, but the expectation is that election of this option will be limited and should not exceed typical
requests for exceptions and individualization that occur now. Most students are expected to fulfill the
capstone requirement with courses embedded in a minor program. With an estimated 160 students
potentially eligible for this program at any given time, we do not expect much demand for the dedicated
capstone course (BUS 450C). Sections of BUS 450C will be taught by university faculty recruited by the
program steering committee.
16. Will this academic plan/subplan affect other majors, liberal studies course offerings, plans/subplans,
curricula, or enrollment at NAU?
If so, attach supporting documentation from the affected departments/units and college dean.
We do not expect there to be substantial impact on minor program enrollments, as students
will select from among the many (87 in total as of fall 2010) minors available. College Deans
were invited to identify minors that should be excluded from the B.U.S. program due to capacity
constraints or other concerns. No requests were made to exclude specific minor plans from the
BUS.
17. Will present library holdings support this academic plan/subplan?
Yes
18. Person(s) to contact for questions about details of this proposal:
Karen Pugliesi and Debra Larson
19. APPROVALS
Signed: Department Chair (if appropriate)
Print Last Name
Date
Signed: Chair of College Curriculum Committee
Print Last Name
Date
Signed: Dean of College
Print Last Name
Date
Galland
Signed: Curriculum Process Associate
Print Last Name
Date
FOR COMMITTEE’S USE ONLY
For University Curriculum Committee
Action taken:
Revised 12/10
_____Approved as submitted
Date
_____Approved as modified
From: J Allen Woodman
Sent: Thursday, March 24, 2011 2:20 PM
To: Jean M Boreen
Subject: Bachelor of University Studies/ENG 302W & ENG 305W
The English Department is happy to support the new Bachelor of University Studies (BUS) program’s request to use our
ENG 302W and ENG 305W courses for one of their JLW course choices, as long as our department continues to
receive funding to hire qualified instructors from the Provost’s Office to cover the increased demand for course sections
of ENG 302W and ENG 305W.
Best,
Allen
Allen Woodman, Chair
English Department
Revised 12/10
BUS Degree Program Design Proposal
4/5/11
Interdisciplinary Program Development Committee: Sara Aleman, Marc Chopin, Deb Larson, Steve Palmer, Karen
Pugliesi, Mikhael Star, Michael Stevenson
Degree:
Bachelor of University Studies (BUS)
Unit:
Undergraduate Studies
Background:
Research indicates that employers are seeking baccalaureate graduates with a breadth of preparation--a portfolio
of competencies. The proposed degree plan is intended to provide an alternative path to degree for students,
who languish or encounter obstacles in pursuit of specialized majors. This plan will integrate prior learning with a
multi-disciplinary approach designed to develop the competencies sought by employers across sectors of the
economy. The plan is intended to increase rates of graduation and to lower excess earned credits among
students who encounter obstacles to degree as the result of transfer, upper division change of major, indecision
regarding major, restrictive academic policies within a major, or return after a stop-out.
Students with 60 units or more beginning an entirely new major are typically unable to fulfill degree
requirements within the preferred four years. The BUS degree allows students with prior coursework to maximize
application of earned credits and pursue a line of study in support of their career objectives. The option to
pursue two minors in lieu of a single major, with an individualized minor option creates the flexibility to maximize
prior studies, focus on current interests related to career objectives, and/or maintain a breadth of interests
without sacrificing academic rigor.
Governance:


BUS Faculty Steering Committee to be convened in Fall 2011 and responsible for: curriculum
development, operational and admissions oversight, and program assessment
The University Assessment Committee will develop the initial assessment plan design that includes a
“portfolio of competencies” approach, and will review the implementation of the assessment plan and
resulting reports
Curricular Components:
Liberal Studies: 35
Diversity: 6
Major: 36-48
Electives: 31-43
Phase I- Degree completion program for rapid implementation in 2011-12
Learning Outcomes:
Revised 12/10
Outcomes were developed on the basis of information about employer expectations for baccalaureate graduates
provided by AAC&U and the Collegiate Research Institute:





Demonstrate the intellectual and practical skills of written/oral communication, analytic
reasoning/critical thinking, and quantitative reasoning
Apply knowledge of human cultures, diversity, and global issues to intra/interpersonal situations
Apply knowledge of the physical/natural world and scientific literacy in appropriate contexts and to
situations involving the interaction of any environment
Demonstrate problem solving and project management in a real world setting
Synthesize the skills and objectives from the breadth of liberal studies, diversity, and two disciplines to
apply to novel situations specific to career goals
Admission:
Application to Gateway Student Success Center
Applications for admission will not be accepted until Fall 2011
Eligibility Criteria- 60 or more earned college-level units and advisor recommendation
Admission Decision- Faculty Steering Committee recommendation to Vice Provost
Major Requirements:
Two minors from an approved list of minors. This approved list of minors includes only those minors that the
various Colleges and academic units have approved for inclusion into the BUS
One of the two minors may be a BUS Individualized Minor (new)
The option of an individualized minor is available only for students admitted into the BUS plan. A faculty
supervisor is assigned in consultation with the advisor. The minor plan is developed with faculty supervision
and must be approved by the faculty supervisor, the Faculty Steering Committee, and the BUS academic
administrator (Vice Provost for Academic Affairs or designee).
To complete this minor, you must complete 18 units:


9 units must be upper division courses.
courses cannot overlap with the other minor taken to meet the BUS requirements or with the Liberal
Studies distribution requirements, and cannot utilize developmental, PES, NAU, MS, or AS courses.
Students must maintain a GPA of 2.0 in the individualized minor.
JLW Course: a junior-level writing course from a discipline or ENG302W or ENG305W. Consent for the inclusion
of ENG courses has been obtained from CAL.
Capstone: a capstone course from a discipline or BUS Capstone (new)
BUS 450C – Capstone on Integrative Learning: This capstone course is the culminating course for the
Bachelor of University Studies designed to link to your cumulative academic experience by offering an
internship opportunity, integrating real world experiences with personalized competency
development and preparing you to enter the workforce. Available to only students enrolled in the BUS
major. The Liberal Studies committee has reviewed the course proposal and has approved it for use as a
Capstone course. Notes: We expect that most students will fulfill capstone through courses linked to minors.
Revised 12/10
There will be limited demand and enrollment. Course supervision from the faculty will be provided by the
faculty steering committee in conjunction with the vice provost.
Advising:



Gateway Student Success Center
Protocol- Encourage second language, study abroad, internship; strong focus on career planning
Faculty in units offering minor will offer academic/professional mentoring
Assessment:



Faculty steering committee will finalize assessment plan proposed by University Assessment Committee.
Likely strategy will involve a full portfolio in Phase II that is created through advisement and/or in BUS
capstone course. The current BUS 450C course includes an extensive report with phased deliverables.
This report will form a key component to the full portfolio.
OAA and UAC will support program assessment, per regular processes.
Phase II- Expand thematic interdisciplinary opportunities for implementation in 2012-13
In phase II we will create a distinct track for the program that will serve students seeking a thematic
interdisciplinary learning experience. Faculty will be recruited to participate in development of this phase of the
program. The current committee envisions the following:




Minors of 18 units in diversity, sustainability & entrepreneurship will be developed to augment the
existing minor in global studies
o New minors to be designed by faculty groups using existing courses
o Minor requirements will have clearly explicated requisite structures
Admission not restricted to upper division students
Individualized minor option will be limited to students with 60 or more units
Degree portfolio assessment approach will be designed and incorporated into the curriculum plan.
Revised 12/10